Here at SMHQ we try to channel the vibe of an older, simpler time online – because before our current, deeply stupid age, the internet could actually be more about making friends than influencing people. In that spirit, here's Top 8: a MySpace-inspired tribute from Eora's music community to the bands and artists that make them (and the city) tick.

Maia Toakley’s been around the traps — performing at just about every venue in Sydney and earning the title as “One of Sydney’s Hardest Gigging Artists” by this very for two years in a row. Her live performances swing between ballads and bangers, as she’s joined by an all-star cast of Jasmine Tan on drums (Coconut Cream), Isaac Freeman on guitar (Billy May), and Ned Olive on bass (who plays with a sizeable chunk of Sydney acts — Boy Soda, Ella Haber, Ruby Jackson, Arlo Sim, Boomchild, Jerome Blazé, Sarah Levins, and more). 

As Maia's (full disclosure) housemate and friend, I went to her bedroom to ask how she got this all off the ground. “I feel like I only started being a musician when I found my community, by going to gigs,” she told me. “I don’t understand how people can find a music community without physically getting out there and going to gigs. Not big theatre concerts but local, small, 100-pax shows. I just inserted myself into the scene that I wanted to join.”

Judging by her list, she’s definitely got a type. If there’s a female-led, Sydney-based folk, rock, or folk-rock act playing a gig this weekend, Maia will probably be there. This Friday night it’ll be her own gig: a launch for her sophomore EP, BEFORE I LET GO, and the band’s first headline show of the year! Grab a ticket here.

1. Act to see

Allerdyce are crazy good. I remember the first time I heard them during a soundcheck and being like oh. my. god. I don’t think anyone has ever walked away from an Allerdyce show and not been blown away. Lucie has one of the best voices I’ve ever ever ever heard.

2. Act to watch

Kate Moth and Father’s Favourite! Sorry, that’s two ;)

3. Act you miss

The Preatures… although they are resurfacing as we speak! Thank god. 

I’ve forever kicked myself for not seeing The Preatures’ gig at the old Selina’s in Coogee in 2019. I didn’t realise it at the time, but I believe it was their last show before their hiatus. Me not going had something to do with the fact it was on Valentine's Day (rolls eyes), but it looked hot and sweaty, and even though I wasn’t there I can still picture the photo of Isabella Manfredi with her white leather boots airborne. Major regrets.

4. Act you copy

At the risk of sounding like a superfan (which I think they already know I am), I want to match the energy and conviction of Sweetie on stage. Sweetie know their self worth and that’s hot. I’ve recently started playing in another band called Paste and it’s been so liberating getting to channel a different set of artists on stage.

5. Act you envy

I want to sing harmonies, break hearts, and hold a room like Folk Bitch Trio. <3

 

6. Act you treasure

CLEWS were one of the first indie acts I fell in love with when I was discovering the Aus music scene. Their song ‘Feel’ is one of my all-time favourite songs. Dying to see a CLEWS show again ASAP.

7. Act who raised you

Just in case it wasn’t already obvious: Missy Higgins. I get self-conscious that I mention Missy too much, but the fact that The Sound Of White was the soundtrack to my childhood is something that’s never going to change.

But also, Jessica Mauboy. I watched Australian Idol religiously on a Sunday night growing up.

8. Act who are Sydney to you

This is a hard one! But I keep coming back to Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys. They’re one of my most-seen acts here in Sydney – their shows are a guaranteed good time and I can pretty much sing along to every song now. Inner west royalty for sure.

Check Maia Toakley out

• Catch Maia Toakley at her EP launch this Friday, April 11, supported by Kate Moth and Father's Favourite.

• Listen to her sophomore EP, BEFORE I LET GO:

  • Bandcamp

  • Spotify

  • YouTube

• Listen to her podcast, How Do You Muse, where she asks local artists how they make being a musician work

• Stalk her Instagram

• Watch her music video for latest single, Unaware